Mrs. Leona Mae Stone's Obituary
Leona Stone, 86, of Ravenna, MI, loving mother of five passed away at her home on September 16, 2014 with her daughters and her beloved dog, Sassy at her side. Leona was born March 4, 1928 in Bay City, Michigan to Claud Sevener and Mae Spencley. She was married on August 5, 1945 to James Stone Sr., in Wolverine, Michigan. Leona was predeceased in death by her loving husband James in 2006, her son James Stone Jr., her daughter Carolyn Schwartz, and son-in-law Larry Smith who each passed away in 2013. Having suffered the loss of two of her five children in 2013, Leona lost much of her will to live and her health rapidly declined.
After the death of her husband Jim in 2006, Leona was lucky enough to have found love for a second time with long-time friend Charles Spencer of Twin Lake, MI, who predeceased her in 2012. Leona provided a life-long example of unconditional love, perseverance and generosity. She was brave, strong-willed and quick-witted through long years of declining health. Family was the most important thing to Leona. She enjoyed gardening, vacationing in the Florida Keys and spending time with family and friends. Left to cherish her memory are her 3 children; Claudia Smith of Muskegon, Sandra Fowler (Kenneth) of East Lansing, and Paulette Shirey (William) of Ravenna, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. The family wishes to acknowledge the caregivers who were with Leona during the final months of her life. They made the impossible possible. Particularly the family wants to thank Andrea, Cathy, Kathi, Paulette, Penny and Randilynn. A special thank you to Dr. Tim Beechnau and staff of Ravenna Family Practice.
The Time is Now
If you're ever going to love me,
Love me now, while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from true affections flow.
Love me now while I am living.
Do not wait until I'm gone
And then have it chiseled in marble,
Sweet words on ice-cold stone.
If you have tender thoughts of me,
Please tell me now.
If you wait until I am sleeping,
Never to awaken,
There will be death between us
And I won't hear you then.
So if you love me, even a little bit,
Let me know it while I am living
So I can know and treasure it.
According to Leona's wishes a memorial service will not be held. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., (231) 726-5210
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